Is L'Escala a good destination for a family beach holiday?
Yes, L'Escala is considered an excellent destination for family beach holidays. Many of its beaches feature fine sand and shallow waters, making them safe and suitable for children. Several beaches also have dedicated children's play areas. Beaches like Riells, Cala Montgó, Portitxol, Les Muscleres, Moll Grec, and Del Riuet are particularly recommended for families.
Can you swim in the sea at L'Escala's beaches and what is the water like?
Yes, you can swim in the sea at L'Escala's beaches. The water is often described as clear and calm, especially in sheltered coves like Cala Montgó. Many beaches have a gentle slope, making them good for swimming, even for children. Some areas, particularly around rocky outcrops, are also popular for snorkeling due to the underwater life.
Are there any dog-friendly beaches in L'Escala?
Yes, L'Escala has dog-friendly beaches. Platja del Rec del Molí is a notable one, located between L'Escala and Sant Martí d'Empúries, where dogs are allowed. Another option, particularly for larger dogs needing more space, is El Riuet. It's important to note that on Rec del Molí, dogs must be leashed due to its location within the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park to protect local flora and fauna. During the off-season, there might be more tolerance for dogs on other beaches as long as they are well-behaved.
What are the beaches in L'Escala like in August? Are they very crowded?
August is peak season in L'Escala, and many beaches, especially the smaller town beaches and popular spots like Riells, can get very crowded. It can be challenging to find space, particularly during the busiest times of the day. However, L'Escala offers a variety of beaches, and some, like the Empúries beaches (e.g., Platja de les Muscleres), may feel less crowded, possibly due to factors like paid parking. The long stretch of sand at El Riuet also offers more space.
Which beach in L'Escala is best for watersports like windsurfing or kitesurfing?
The beach of El Riuet, at Sant Martí d'Empúries, is well-known for windsurfing and kitesurfing. This long stretch of sand is exposed to the wind, making it ideal for these activities. Platja de Riells also offers watersport rentals and lessons. Cala Montgó is good for kayaking and paddleboarding.
How do I get to Cala Montgó and is there parking?
Cala Montgó is located at the southernmost point of L'Escala. You can reach it by car from L'Escala or Torroella de Montgrí. During summer, a tourist train (Carrilet) also connects L'Escala to Cala Montgó. There is a car park close to the beach, including spaces for people with reduced mobility. However, during high season, parking can be difficult to find, and it's often recommended to park further away and walk.
Are there nudist beaches in or near L'Escala?
Yes, there are nudist-friendly beach areas near L'Escala. El Riuet beach, which is a long sandy stretch, is popular with naturists. Other beaches in the wider region, though not directly in the main town, are also known as nudist spots, such as Platja de les Dunes and Platja de l'Illa Roja, though these are a few kilometers away.
What's the sand like on L'Escala's beaches? Is it fine sand or pebbles?
L'Escala offers a variety of beach types. Many popular beaches like Riells, Cala Montgó, and the Empúries beaches (Les Muscleres, Portitxol, Moll Grec) have fine sand. Some smaller coves or town beaches, such as La Platja (Platja de les Barques) and Port d'en Perris, have coarser sand or pebbles. El Codolar is a pebble beach.
Which beaches in L'Escala are sheltered from the Tramuntana wind?
Cala Montgó is particularly well-known for being sheltered from the northern Tramuntana wind due to its orientation and the protection offered by the Montgrí massif. This makes it a good option when the Tramuntana is blowing. Riells beach, being a man-made bay, can also offer some protection when the wind is very strong elsewhere.
Are the beaches in L'Escala easily accessible from the town centre?
L'Escala has several beaches directly in or very close to the town centre, such as La Platja (Platja de les Barques) and Port d'en Perris. Riells beach is about a 2km walk from the old town along a promenade. The Empúries beaches are a bit further north but can be reached by a scenic coastal path or the tourist train. Cala Montgó is to the south and also accessible by car or the tourist train.
What is the atmosphere like at the beaches in L'Escala's old town versus other beaches like Riells or Cala Montgó?
The beaches in L'Escala's old town, like Platja de les Barques, tend to be smaller and have a more traditional, local feel, often bustling with activity and surrounded by restaurants. Riells is a larger, more modern urban beach with a long promenade, popular with families and offering many amenities, which can make it feel more tourist-oriented. Cala Montgó, while popular and with good facilities, is set in a picturesque cove and can offer a slightly more relaxed, nature-focused vibe, though it also gets busy. The Empúries beaches offer a unique atmosphere due to their proximity to the Greco-Roman ruins and pine groves.
Are there any beaches near L'Escala with historical significance?
Yes, the beaches around Empúries, such as Moll Grec and Les Muscleres, are directly adjacent to the important Greco-Roman ruins of Empúries. You can swim and sunbathe next to historical sites like the ancient Greek dock (Moll Grec), which was the entry point for Greek and Roman civilizations to the Iberian Peninsula.
What are some good beaches for snorkeling in L'Escala?
Several coves and beaches in L'Escala are good for snorkeling. The rocky areas on either side of coves like Platja de les Muscleres and Cala Montgó are worthwhile exploring with a mask and snorkel. Illa Mateua cove, a pebble beach with clear water, is also mentioned as perfect for snorkeling. Some of the smaller, rockier coves in the old town area, like La Creu, can also be good spots.
Is L'Escala more of a party destination or a quiet beach town?
L'Escala is generally considered more of a family-friendly and relatively quiet fishing port and tourist town, rather than a major party destination. While it has a lively atmosphere, especially in summer with restaurants and bars, it's not typically known for a wild nightlife scene like some other coastal resorts. It offers a mix of relaxing beaches, cultural sites like the Empúries ruins, and natural beauty.
How do L'Escala's beaches compare to L'Estartit's beaches?
Both L'Escala and L'Estartit offer beautiful Costa Brava beaches, but with some differences. L'Escala has a variety of beaches, from small coves in the old town and the larger Riells beach to the scenic Empúries beaches near ancient ruins and the sheltered Cala Montgó. L'Estartit is well-known for its long, wide sandy beach (Platja Gran) and its proximity to the Medes Islands, a popular diving spot. Cala Montgó is geographically between the two, though access is easier from L'Escala. L'Estartit also has coves accessible via coastal paths. The choice depends on preferences for beach type, atmosphere, and nearby attractions.
